Redesigned Coffee Cup Does Away With Plastic Lids

A new design of paper coffee cups could make plastic, carry-out lids obsolete.The design, branded Compleat, has flaps similar to takeout cartons that fold over to seal in hot beverages, while creating a sipping spout.

No lids means reduced storage and shipping requirements, and reduced environmental impact. In addition, the cup provides two additional surfaces for branding or advertising, and it has a unique shape the designer believes will reinforce brand values for companies that adopt the product.

Compleat was created by Peter Herman, an architect based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Herman told Fast Company it’s not clear when the cup will first appear in local coffee shops as there are numerous details to be worked out, including modifications to cup-making machinery and contractual agreements with manufacturers, distributors and retailers.